These sign regulations are intended to complement the requirements of the adopted building and electrical codes. In case of an inconsistency between these regulations and the building or electrical code, the more stringent requirement shall apply.

The following signs are exempt from the operation of these sign regulations, and from the requirement that a permit be obtained for the erection of permanent signs, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard of any kind:

(A)

Signs that are not designed or located so as to be visible from any street or adjoining property.

(B)

Signs of two (2) square feet or less and signs that include no letters, symbols, logos or designs in excess of two (2) inches in vertical or horizontal dimension, provided that such sign, or combination of such signs, does not constitute a sign prohibited by Section 4.03.00 of this Code.

(C)

Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional signs erected on public property.

(D)

Legal notices and official instruments.

(E)

Holiday lights and decorations.

(F)

Memorial signs or tablets containing names of buildings, dates of erection and other information when inscribed in a masonry surface or metal plaque and permanently affixed to the side of a building.

(G)

Public warning signs to indicate the dangers of trespassing, swimming, animals or similar hazards.

(H)

Signs carried by a person.

(I)

Religious displays.

(J)

Construction signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in size.

(K)

Real estate yard signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in size.

(L)

Signs indicating yard sales or garage sales, provided that such signs are removed within 48 hours.

(M)

Political signs.

(N)

Signs affixed to a building.

The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:

(A)

Signs which are in violation of the adopted building or electrical codes.

(B)

Any sign that, in the opinion of the Development Director, constitutes a safety hazard.

(C)

Blank temporary signs.

(D)

Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals.

(E)

Signs attached to trees, telephone poles, streetlights, or signs placed on any public property or public right-of-way.

(F)

Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign (this does not apply to permitted portable signs or to signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business).

(G)

Any sign obstructing traffic visibility.

(H)

Signs with illuminated, moving, revolving or rotating parts causing traffic hazards, except trademark signs at least twelve (12) feet in height and rotating at no more than two (2) revolutions per minute. Illuminated signs of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians using or entering a public right-of-way, or that are a hazard to occupants of any property because of glare or other characteristics.

(I)

Signs emitting sound, odor, smoke, or steam.

(J)

Billboards.

(Ord. No. 2018-01 , § 2(exh. A), 2-13-2018)

The following signs are permitted within the City of Bowling Green, subject to the standards provided in this Section:

4.04.01.

On-site commercial signs. On-site commercial signs are permitted accessory to commercial or industrial structures on property zoned for such uses.

(A)

Number of signs permitted. No more than two (2) signs shall be permitted for each development site. For lots or parcels situated at intersections, one (1) sign is permitted on a lot or parcel for each frontage of 75 feet or more on a publicly maintained road. For parcels having 250 feet or more of frontage on a single road, an additional sign per entrance shall be allowed and sign shall be located near the entrance.

(B)

Design standards. Except as otherwise provided, no on-site commercial sign shall exceed 200 square feet in size. On-site commercial signs exceeding 200 square feet shall be permitted as a conditional use in shopping centers subject to development standards provided in Article 3. Maximum height for a sign shall be 20 feet.

4.04.02.

Special event signs. Signs or objects may be allowed on a temporary basis in connection with a special event for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, after which time the sign or object shall be removed.

(A)

Signs consisting of one or more banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers or captive balloons, or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move in the wind.

(B)

Searchlights used to advertise or promote a business or to attract customers to a property.

(C)

Portable signs.

4.04.03.

Signs in residential areas.

(A)

Neighborhood identification signs.

Non-illuminated ground or wall signs identifying a neighborhood for residential areas which include at least five (5) acres of land area shall be allowed. These signs shall only be allowed at major entrance ways and not more than one (1) sign shall be located at each entrance way.

Multi-family housing developments may have one identification sign per street frontage. These signs may be ground or wall signs. The only form of artificial illumination allowed is indirect illumination. Identification signs shall be limited to one (1) square foot of area per dwelling unit up to a maximum of thirty square feet.

Non-residential special exceptions to have non-illuminated signs no larger than 24 square feet in area may be allowed.

(B)

Bed and breakfast. In residential areas, signs are permitted of three square feet or less in a window, on the building or freestanding. A setback of ten feet (10') must be maintained from all property lines. Such signs must be unlighted and made of metal or wood. The stand for the sign and the sign itself cannot exceed four feet in height from the ground.

(C)

Churches and religious buildings. On-site commercial signs are permitted accessory to church or religious buildings on property zoned for such use.

4.04.04.

Maintenance. All signs together with any supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in good repair.

(Ord. No. 2018-01 , § 2(exh. A), 2-13-2018)